Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow! John 15:20-11

For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

New Testament scholar James Stewart of Edinburgh, Scotland wrote "If we could but show the world that being committed to Christ is no tame, humdrum, sheltered monotony, but the most exciting adventure the human spirit can ever know, those who have been standing outside the church and looking askance at Christ will come crowding in." Can you believe that some Christians think that "You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does?" (Colossians 3:3) means that Christians finding pleasure in this world were not focusing on Heaven? How wrong, for God has given us so much on earth to admire and enjoy. Spring is the resurrection of the earth; how can anyone not be joyous in this as a reminder of when Jesus was resurrected? When we feel joy, we find it much easier to let go of regrets about the past or worries about the future. A joyful heart reminds us that God is in control of our lives. Are we not lucky to be living in East Texas during spring? What an advertisement of God's love!

The Transformation and Evangelism Committees met in a joint meeting to organize a new effort to meet all visitors and make them feel welcome as they enter our Church. Dan Saxon will be organizing the volunteers to meet people in the parking lot or outside the entrance to the sanctuary. Remember how welcomed you feel when visiting someone and they don't wait until you knock at their door, but are waiting for you on their front steps? This is how God wants our Church to be. So please volunteer by calling Mr. Saxon or the Church Office. We need you now!

The Children's Ministry is off to an excellent start. Last Wednesday Sofia Elago from Nimibia, Africa spoke to the young children about her country. Sofia is in the U.S. completing her bachelor degree in Elementary Education. She showed the children pictures of her school in Africa and how most of the children were street kids without a home or parents. The children participated in prayer, asking for blessings and protection for Sofia and her students. The teachers were overcome with the sincerity and commitment the children expressed while giving their prayers. Remember the meetings are held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Contact Debbie Taylor or the Church office for additional information. This program is available for any child, so invite your neighbor's children. This is a good oppontunity to get their parents participating in other Church activities.

The Bread of Life Group will meet this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. So many wanted to participate but were unable to during the week, so here is your chance. Remember that all ingredients for making the bread are provided and a light soup and salad luncheon will be served. If your children are coming to make bread, you may want to bring some sandwiches for them. Children making bread? Yea, that is what Gayle Haynes said! Remember the rule is, you must make two loaves, one for your family and one to give away.

Sam Pollard was honored at the Donor Appreciation Awards Banquet March 8th at the Hollytree Country Club. Mr. Pollard has given over 15 gallons of blood. He started donating blood when he was 17 years old. During acceptance of his certificate of recognition, he spoke of his great-grandson Tucker Thomison who is receiving blood now as part of his leukemia therapy. "The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration but its donation." -- Corrie ten Boom

Happy Anniversary to: Gary and Sandy Dinsmore, Jake and Lou Langston, Jim and Sharon Moffeit, Richard and Joanne Rabe and Glyn and Ginger Stewart. "Come, everyone, and clap for joy!" Psalms 47:1

Happy Birthday to: Hill Paddock, Kim Pollard, Chris Martin, Glenn Kitson, Don Young, Leonard Crawford and Susan Romo. "If you want to live a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions." Proverbs 3:2

Thought for the Week: "Perfect obedience would be perfect happiness if only we had perfect confidence in the power we were obeying." The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith